Police Clampdown on Mobile Phone Usage Behind the Wheel

British police are currently having a clampdown on mobile phone usage while driving.

The crackdown comes following the results of a study by the RAC which shows that mobile phone usage behind the wheel is on the rise.

Recent figures show that 11 million motorists across the UK have admitted to making or receiving a call while driving, with several million more admitting to having taken photos and videos when behind the wheel. One in five drivers on British roads also admitted to sending text messages, or checking and posting on social media while behind the wheel.

Police have put several measures into place to combat these issues, including using unmarked vehicles and helmet cameras.

As well as this, there will also be dedicated patrols, and messages on road signs advising people not to use their phone while driving.

Police are also looking at schemes will allow ‘community spotters’ to target repeat offenders.

The BBC has also recently reported that within the next year, fines and penalty points are likely to double, in order to clamp down further on mobile phone usage behind the wheel.

Remember:

Using a handheld mobile phone for any reason while driving is against the law. This includes reading a message, looking at a map, or checking social media.

Always pull over in a safe place in order to use your phone. The only exception to this is if you need to make a call to the emergency services and there is no safe place to stop.

The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving is three points on your licence, and as well as a fine.

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